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Trim Treats: Memorial Day Cookout

Happy Memorial Day and Happy Un-Official Start of Summer! It’s the first of many backyard cookouts that wouldn’t be complete without friends, and, of course, great food.

This delightfully easy menu will perfectly fit your bash this year. These delicious dishes can be thrown together in only a bit of time. Customizable hamburger sliders, a trio of colorful dips and patriotic Rice Krispie treats top it all off. Let’s get cooking!

Hamburger Sliders

Source: culinary.net

Burgers just got a whole lot easier! Instead of grilling beef, pick up a bag of frozen meatballs, warm them up according to the directions and put onto mini buns. Set up a bar of classic toppings, like slices of lettuce, tomato, cheese, red onions and bacon and also something new, like barbecue sauce or pesto, so everyone can experiment and mix-and-match as they please.

Dip Trio

There is nothing more fun to eat than an excellent dip! These three dips will be fresh and cool on a steaming summer afternoon.

Avocado Salsa

source: foodnetwork.com

I know what you’re thinking: isn’t that just guacamole? Maybe, maybe not. But either way, I can assure you it tastes fantastic. Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips or try a bit on your burger!

Fruit Salsa

Source: dailydishinblog.blogspot.com

Moving over towards the sweet side, the juicy fruits of summer come together like a charm in this fabulous salsa. It is also a great way to use that irresistible fresh basil! While cinnamon chips are recommended, serving them with regular pita chips would be yummy as well.

Rice Krispie Stars

Source: aminamichele.com

And now, dessert! This is my personal favorite dish to make because it’s really fun, not to mention quick, to whip up. These treats are like a blank canvas, you can personalize them anyway you want. For Memorial Day, I chose to make them into stars and add red and blue sprinkles for some color.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter

1 10 oz. package large marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies

Red and blue sprinkles

Star-shaped cookie cutter

Wooden skewers

Directions:

Melt butter and marshmallows in a large saucepan. When completely melted, mix in the Rice Krispies until completely coated.

Press into a 9×13 inch pan lined with wax paper. It is easier to press with wet (and of course clean) hands.

Right away while it’s still warm, sprinkle the top and press to make them stick. Use the cookie cutter to cut out stars. Stick a skewer into each one.

Let cool. To serve, stand them up in a nice vase or jar.

While enjoying your time munching and mingling, don’t forget to take a minute and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country! Have a fantastic holiday!